hudsonhockey22 0 Report post Posted December 9, 2006 I'm lookin into gettin the 4500, rightnow i have the 5000, but loved how this felt and looked on my head. I was wondering, in Ohio high school hockey rules, do u need ear pieces for yur helmet, we played someone from iniana, and some of their players didnt, so i was wondering if Ohio had a rule against it.p.s. would tht be a good move to switch down to the 4500 .. lotsa people say they like it better Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
All Torhs Team 0 Report post Posted December 9, 2006 Depends on if you liked the material inside the helmet. I had the 4500 for a while and hated it because I previously used the 5000. Going from the gel packets to the foam stuff was hard. I couldnt stand it, the foam pulled on my hair alot.I got the 5500, it has the gel packets like the 5000. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hudsonhockey22 0 Report post Posted December 9, 2006 anyone know about the ear pieces? Everyone that has them out from other states say they like it better, but why? Does it just increase airflow and watnot Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kornsined 0 Report post Posted December 9, 2006 Some can pinch or obstruct the ears and make it uncomfortable. Airflow I guess is better too. I personally use the Itech that came with my HC100. Never bother me and I'm glad to have the extra protection. I can remember taking a stick really close to the ear once too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TCsnipes9 0 Report post Posted December 9, 2006 personally i love the 4500 because the 5500 doesnt fit my head right. if those gel packs dont sit just right on your head, your head will be resting on the hard black foam, making the helmet extremely uncomfortable. i wore the 4000, then the 0004, now the 4500, and the 4500s advancements are nice. the bottom of the helmet wraps around the back of my head better.as for the ear-pieces... i would assume they are manditory. here in MN i know they are along with the surrounding states Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra2717 0 Report post Posted December 9, 2006 I know they are mandatory for the most part here in NY...and i wanna say the are for Ohio too...but i could be wrong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tiki21 0 Report post Posted December 9, 2006 its a usa hockey rule that you have a certified helmet, and taking the ear pieces off voids the certification. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ctaz 0 Report post Posted December 10, 2006 yes, both by USA Hockey and OHSAA (some are different) rules helmets are to have the ear pieces attached. I'll ask one of the refs in the area, when I get a chance, but I'm pretty sure they have to have the ear pieces. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadd 916 Report post Posted December 10, 2006 yes, both by USA Hockey and OHSAA (some are different) rules helmets are to have the ear pieces attached. I'll ask one of the refs in the area, when I get a chance, but I'm pretty sure they have to have the ear pieces.USAH rules require the ear pieces must be in the helmet. Leagues can have rules that are more strict than USAH but can not have rules that are less strict than USAH. The only leagues where it would be possible are (some) junior leagues or non-USAH registered leagues.Some (many, most?) refs don't enforce the rule. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ctaz 0 Report post Posted December 10, 2006 Chadd, you're right, but the ref I'd ask is the one that would definitely enforce rules like that, he enforced the stupid (imo) mouthguard has to be attached to the helmet (even for goalies) rule. And I know OHSAA doesn't require our teams to wear throat guards, which we had to buy for one game we had against a USA hockey team. Granted that was 3 years ago and I don't know if the throat guard rule is still there or not. Correct me if I'm wrong, but mandatory throat guards in USAH and not in OHSAA would be "less strict"? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hocckey77 0 Report post Posted December 10, 2006 Correct me if I'm wrong, but mandatory throat guards in USAH and not in OHSAA would be "less strict"?throat guards aren't mandatory in USAH rules. but yes, in that scenario it would be "less strict" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ctaz 0 Report post Posted December 10, 2006 well then they were manadatory in the USAH based league around here.Anyway, helmets need to have ear pieces, they come with ear pieces on them so why worry about taking them off? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TBLfan 25 Report post Posted December 10, 2006 My 652 ear pieces dig into my ear, my ht400 ear pieces feel fine. I don't wear them on my 652 because it's irritating, but I carry them in my bag along with a screwdriver incase a ref says something... but I've never seen it called. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
duch 0 Report post Posted December 10, 2006 Personally I'd go for the Mission Intake or the Bauer 8000 or 8500. Both are more comfortable and offer better protection. ;) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hockechamp14 0 Report post Posted December 11, 2006 yes, both by USA Hockey and OHSAA (some are different) rules helmets are to have the ear pieces attached. I'll ask one of the refs in the area, when I get a chance, but I'm pretty sure they have to have the ear pieces.USAH rules require the ear pieces must be in the helmet. Leagues can have rules that are more strict than USAH but can not have rules that are less strict than USAH. The only leagues where it would be possible are (some) junior leagues or non-USAH registered leagues.Some (many, most?) refs don't enforce the rule.I know the Met and AJHL don't require earpieces or mouthguards if you're 18. Also, prep schools that play NEPSHA play by NCAA rules so don't require earpieces. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
